The Chronicles of a Survivor

I’m doing it. I’m pulling the cancer card. Below, you will find an email that I sent to The Avett Brothers this morning, asking (maybe begging a bit) to hang with me at an upcoming show that I’ll be at. Please share share share…tag, email, call, facebook, tweet, stalk…well don’t stalk…but you get it.

AVETTS!! I have CANCER! I JUST HAVE to meet y’all!!

Ok…maybe that was a little dramatic. But I do have cancer. For the second time before my 30th birthday (check out my blog…I hope it makes you laugh and cry and brings you peace and inspiration just like your music does for me!) And I’m kicking cancer’s ass as I type. Impressive, I know. I don’t want you all to think that this is like a death wish or anything…I’m going to be fine. I have been through a lot however, and I figured if there was ever a time to do it, this is the time to pull the cancer card. Here it goes…

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2009. I was 25. I had 6 rounds of chemo and a huge surgery that had me laid up for over 3 months. But I beat it and even came out the other end a better person. About a month ago, I found out that my cancer was back. Luckily, we caught it early and it’s still treatable. I had surgery to remove the lymphnodes where the cancer was in March and started chemo April 10th. I’ll have 8 rounds of chemo over the next 13 or so weeks…then radiation. I’ll be bald and sick some of the time, but I’m not going to let it get me down. I didn’t last time, and this time is no different.

Here’s where you guys come in. I’m going to be celebrating my 30th birthday, which is June 24th, at Firefly Music Festival and I would love the opportunity to meet you all. I have literally scheduled my chemo treatments around that weekend. My oncologist laughed in my face when I told her that there was zero chance I wouldn’t be having treatment that week because I had plans to go to a music fest to see my fav band (that’s you guys). I just stared at her until she realized that I was serious. HA. I have been looking forward to this weekend for months, and when it comes down to it, I refuse to let cancer take over my life and take away the things in life that bring me joy.

I’ve been a huge fan for years…seen you live many times…own every one of your albums…have watched pretty much every crackerfarm youtube video ever posted at least 5x’s. Ok, I’m going to stop now before I start sounding crazy. Truth is…your music brings me joy, inspires me and just warms my soul. It would mean a whole lot to me to meet you guys…hang, have a beer, get some pics of us to hang in my home and smile and reminisce about for the rest of my days.

If you’re feeling extra generous…if you could work sanguine into the set list that would just make my life. It’s such a beautiful song and it has deep sentimental meaning for me. Sanguine: cheerfully optimistic; red in color. That’s my soul word! I live my life remembering every day to smile, be thankful for what I have, my experiences and to look forward to even better things to come. If that’s not enough, the type of chemo that I’m getting right now is nicknamed “the red devil” it’s literally blood red as it’s being injected into my veins. Once I’m finished with treatment, my next tattoo is going to be the word sanguine with both of my diagnosis dates and a little peace sign…to help make me sanguine:) So appropriate.

That’s it. I hope this email finds it’s way to you guys somehow, someway and I hope I can touch your lives the way you have and continue to touch mine. Either way, I will be rocking out with you in June at Firefly! Can’t WAIT!!

5 thoughts on “I’m pulling the cancer card…”

I am so proud of you for being so strong. You have always been a strong lady! Even since Kindergarten!
I pray that you are blessed with better health and that your dreams come true!
Your kindergarten teacher!!!

Talia
Just learned of your latest battle. Am following your amazing blog. Not only are you kicking ass of cancer but you have a great kickass attitude that is opening up your horizons. You can make anything possible. Am rooting for you.
My love to you.
Ellen